Obituary of Rosemary V. Stephen

Rosemary Vogrin Stephen

Age 92, a lifelong resident of Joliet, IL passed away peacefully with family at her side at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center on Monday afternoon, February 27, 2023.

Rosemary was born December 9, 1930, the daughter of Mary  (Likovic) and Joseph Vogrin.  She attended St. John the Baptist Grade School and graduated with the class of 1948 at St. Francis Academy.

On January 31, 1953 Rosemary was united in marriage to Robert M. Stephen at St. John the Baptist Church.

In addition to Bob, her partner, husband and best friend of 70 years, she is also survived by her daughters and sons, Susan (Jerome) Gentile, Robert (Julie) Stephen, Jr., Patti Meeder (Bruce Flory), Sally Miller and Scott (late Jennifer) Stephen; grandchildren, Gabriella and Francesca Gentile; Robert III (Michelle), Benjamin (Jessica) and Charlie (Plamena) Stephen; Victoria, Graceanne and Julia Meeder; Madeline and Margaux Miller; Sarah and Jack Stephen; great-grandchildren, Robbie, Antonio, Lucas, Jackson, Maxwell and Isabelle;  sisters, Marilyn (Joe) Feehan, Yvonne (late Dave) Callans, Barbara (late Bob) Haggerty and brother, Joe (late Joyce) Vogrin as well as many nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by her parents and daughther-in-law, as well as sisters, Margie (late George) Eberhard, Helen (late Dan) Lambert, Dorothy Jane Vogrin and Jane Vogrin.

Rosemary lived her life abundantly.  She loved her family with a fierce and generous heart.  Her humor and devoted loyalty to her many friends brought her much joy.  She gave selflessly to her community.  In her free time, you could find her on the tennis court, in her garden, bird watching, entertaining or traveling.  Rosemary lived her life with style and grace.

A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Rosemary’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, 18 N. Woodlawn Avenue, Joliet.

As it was Rosemary’s wish, cremation rites have been accorded.

In lieu of flowers memorials in her name can be made to granddaughter, Sarah Stephen’s Chicago Marathon Lungevity Fundraiser through http://bitly.ws/B3XP, or to Lightways Hospice, 250 Water Stone Cir., Joliet, IL 60431, www.lightways.org, or to Nature Foundation of Will County, 17540 W. Laraway Rd., Joliet, IL 60433, https://www.willcountynature.org

For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence